We need to first clarify an important concept before we go into coaching and cueing:

NOT ALL MOVEMENT REQUIRES COACHING

To Coach or Not to Coach

If someone is performing a movement/exercise correctly, all you have to do is shut your mouth and smile.

If someone is performing a movement/exercise incorrectly, you should ask yourself two questions:

Do they need a different environment via a sensory change/coaching and cueing?

Is this a professional error? Is this the right exercise for this patient at this time?

So if someone can’t perform the deadlift correctly, they either need some coaching and cueing (a sensory change) or they need a different exercise.

3 Types of Coaching

I break down coaching into 3 different categories:

1) Verbal – External & Internal

2) Visual – External & Internal

3) Proprioceptive

Each of these categories are a change of the inputs from the environment. Each section has a specific attentional sensory focus. Below is a brief introduction to each type of cue. For a more in depth look at specific cueing types, stayed tuned for Parts III-IV in this article series.

Knowing how to influence movement with cues starts with understanding the different types of cues

1) Verbal

Verbal cues are by far the most common and one of the most researched coaching cues.

External Cue

Focuses on how the body’s output affects the environment (outcomes, objects, etc.)

External

Internal / Motor Imagery

“Motor Imagery is defined as an internal rehearsal or reenactment of movements from a first person perspective without any overt physical movement. From another perspective, MI, also known as kinesthetic imagery, is an active cognitive process during which the representation of a specific action is internally reproduced in working memory without any overt motor output” -Carl Gabbard and Ashley Fox

Motor Imagery

3) Proprioceptive

Proprioceptive cues are very common in both rehab and training (whether the practitioner knows it or not). It’s a common sense type of approach that can have more profound effects than any other sensory change. These proprioceptive cues can be divided into MANY different sub-categories.

Postures

Load

Speed

External Stimulation (tactile, tape, surface, footwear, etc.)

Regressions

Progressions

Lateralizations

Modifications

Modulations

[Insert Latest Terminology]

A Proprioceptive Cue by altering the posture and changing the sensory input from the lower extremity. In the kneeling position there will be less influence from the tissues and joints below the knee.

Summary

Which type of cue the patient needs depends on many factors. A greater understanding of each of these types of sensory changes will help one determine which one to use. Keep the overall goal in mind and match your desired outcome to they type of cueing.

And remember, if someone isn’t performing a movement correctly despite your coaching/cueing, you either need a different sensory change or a different exercise.